My husband always says, “No matter where you go, there you are.”

I’ve spent far too many years searching for what I thought would bring me joy and fulfillment. I’ve left too many jobs looking for the elusive perfect workplace. I have left churches searching for the perfect Body of Christ. The change may have provided temporary happiness, but ultimately the same demons I was running from, just got bigger in my new location.

Now, I’m not saying we should never change jobs, churches, careers. I’m just saying, if we think theses changes will heal our hearts and bring us joy, we are sadly mistaken.

Joy is not an address. It is a work of the Holy Spirit.
Joy resides in both mountaintops and valleys.
Joy is present in the celebrations and in mournings.
Joy is a fruit of the spirit. Not a fruit of our circumstances.

So how do we water our joy tree?

1. Give thanks. Focus on what God is doing presently in your life. Talk about that more than what you don’t have.

2. Serve others. We were wired to help others.

3. Worship.

4. Meditate on God’s love.

5. Meditate on God’s Word.

If you don’t have joy where you are presently, you will not find joy if your circumstances change. Because, my husband is right, “No matter where you go, there you are!” Begin to cultivate joy in your life even if your circumstances are dire.

“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:4‬ ‭NLT‬